On September 25, 2025, Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president of France, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy by the Paris Criminal Court. The court ruled that Sarkozy accepted millions in illegal payments from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi between 2005 and 2007 to finance his presidential campaign. This conviction is significant as it marks the first time a former French president has received a prison sentence. Sarkozy was acquitted of other charges, including illegal campaign financing and passive corruption. He has consistently denied the allegations, asserting they are politically motivated. The trial followed a decade-long investigation into corruption, revealing a complex network involving Libyan spies and arms dealers. Sarkozy plans to appeal the verdict, stating he will face imprisonment with dignity. His legal troubles have been compounded by additional charges, including witness tampering, and previous convictions for bribery and campaign financing violations.